The United States Men's National Team is in Georgia this week, preparing for the biggest tournament in American soccer history at the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center in Fayetteville.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino and the 26-man roster are training before friendlies against Senegal in Charlotte on Sunday and Germany in Chicago on June 6, their final tune-ups before the World Cup kicks off June 11.
This year's roster includes more Black American-born players than any before. Midfielders Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie join forwards Haji Wright and Tim Weah, along with defenders Alex Freeman, Mark McKenzie, Chris Richards, and former Atlanta United star Miles Robinson.
"The red, white, and blue draped over the backs of the American players is an honest representation of this country," noted The Atlanta Voice.
Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium (officially "Atlanta Stadium" for tournament branding) will host eight World Cup matches starting June 15. The team's presence at the Blank training facility underscores Atlanta's central role in hosting the tournament.